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Boyhood

by Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • 27 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Boyhood" by Leo Tolstoy is a semi-autobiographical novel written during the late 19th century. The story chronicles the formative years of a young boy named Nikolai, exploring his journey from childhood to adolescence and the experiences that shape his understanding of life, family, and society. The opening of "Boyhood" introduces readers to Nikolai as he embarks on a journey from his family estate to Moscow, revealing the poignant aftermath of his mother's death. As the family travels in their carriages, Nikolai's reflections oscillate between his feelings of melancholy over their loss and the excitement of new experiences ahead. Vivid descriptions of the landscape and the bustling life around him paint a nostalgic picture of childhood wonder and the bittersweet nature of growing up. His relationship with his brother Woloda, his emerging friendships, and the varying dynamics with the girls they encounter hint at the complexities of adolescence that will unfold throughout the narrative. The opening sets the stage for a deep exploration of transformative moments in Nikolai's life, capturing both the joy and turmoil of boyhood.

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  • Autobiographical fiction
  • Russia · Social life and customs · 1533-1917
  • Tolstoy, Leo, graf, 1828-1910 · Childhood and youth
  • Russia · History · 1801-1917

Read the opening

Chapter I: A Slow Journey

Again two carriages stood at the front door of the house at Petrovskoe. In one of them sat Mimi, the two girls, and their maid, with the bailiff, Jakoff, on the box, while in the other—a britchka—sat Woloda, myself, and our servant Vassili. Papa, who was to follow us to Moscow in a few days, was standing bareheaded on the entrance-steps. He made the sign of the cross at the windows of the carriages, and said:

“Christ go with you! Good-bye.”

Jakoff and our coachman (for we had our own horses) lifted their caps in answer, and also made the sign of the cross.

“Amen. God go with us!”

The carriages began to roll away, and the birch-trees of the great avenue filed out of sight.

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Contents

Show all 27 chapters
  1. Chapter I: A Slow Journey
  2. Chapter II: The Thunderstorm
  3. Chapter III: A New Point of View
  4. Chapter IV: In Moscow
  5. Chapter V: My Elder Brother
  6. Chapter VI: Masha
  7. Chapter VII: Small Shot
  8. Chapter VIII: Karl Ivanitch’s History
  9. Chapter IX: Continuation of Karl’s Narrative
  10. Chapter X: Conclusion of Karl’s Narrative
  11. Chapter XI: One Mark Only
  12. Chapter XII: The Key
  13. Chapter XIII: The Traitress
  14. Chapter XIV: The Retribution
  15. Chapter XV: Dreams
  16. Chapter XVI: “Keep on Grinding, and You’ll Have Flour”
  17. Chapter XVII: Hatred
  18. Chapter XVIII: The Maidservants’ Room
  19. Chapter XIX: Boyhood
  20. Chapter XX: Woloda
  21. Chapter XXI: Katenka and Lubotshka
  22. Chapter XXII: Papa
  23. Chapter XXIII: Grandmamma
  24. Chapter XXIV: Myself
  25. Chapter XXV: Woloda’s Friends
  26. Chapter XXVI: Discussions
  27. Chapter XXVII: The Beginning of Our Friendship

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About this edition

This free edition of Boyhood by Leo Tolstoy comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #2450, released 2006-03-22. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, Russian Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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